5'4", 125 lbs. - What type of tummy tuck will be best? (Photo)

Question

I have a question regarding a tummy tuck. I am 5’4 and 125 lbs. Have had 2 prior pregnancy and gained 80 lbs with each pregnancy. Both my children were born via c/s. Have had two consultations and one doctor recommended a tummy tuck, muscle repair, and lipo. Second recommended same but more Fdl with a horizontal and vertical incision . Trying to get insight if necessary to have the vertical incision.

Gulcin Nujen Cardak, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hi there, thanks for question. According to your pictures, my suggestion would be full tummy tuck, muscle repair and waist liposuction. Actually Fdl more suitable for massive weight loss patients. It seems like you don’t have significant excess skin vertically. So in my opinion you don’t need Fdl procedure.

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

It does not look like you need a vertical scar from your picture. Extending your scar around to the back will give you better waist definition. Good Luck!

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! You have excess abdominal skin and separation of your diastasis recti muscle making you a great candidate for an abdominoplasty procedure. A low horizontal incision would be best to remove that excess skin. We would love to see you in person and help you reach your goals. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself and we can create a surgical plan for you!

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

A physical examination would be helpful, but your photos suggest that the traditional tummy tuck would be adequate. Any potential benefit from the FDL would be outweighed by the less desirable vertical scar.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The fleur de lis technique is used when there is a lot of horizontal width above the umbilicus. You do not appear to be that wide. Since you have lost 80 lbs. you may need a breast lift. The breast lift technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This technique lifts the upper abdomen as well as the breasts and will eliminate the need for the fleur de lis. This technique will also reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. I always do the breasts first because if you do the abdomen first it will pull the breasts lower. In terms of your abdomen, you will need a tummy tuck and may need an extension of the tummy tuck laterally or lateral liposuction. The breast lift and tummy tuck can be done together, if desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

From your photographs, and with no physical exam, I think you should consider staying far away from any thought of a fleur-de-lis and have a regular tummy tuck with liposuction of the abdominal wall and maybe back and have muscle tightening degree that you might need.  Good luck!

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Traditional tummy tuck with liposuction (no vertical incision) should give best results.

Further consultations with your/a plastic surgeon is recommended until you feel comfortable.

Danielle Dumestre, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, I feel that you would have an excellent result with a traditional tummy tuck alone. That being said, depending on your exam and the amount of pinchable skin in the midline, you may have a little residual looseness after surgery in that ‘right-left’ vector. Patients still typically prefer that over having the tightest closure possible with the additional vertical scar. The Fleur de Lis vertical component can always be added in at a secondary surgery should you need it. That being said, I have done traditional tummy tucks on patients with much more midline looseness than you have, and they have all been happy and none of them have wanted the vertical incision to further tighten things after surgery!

Kamol Pansritum, MD · Answer

Recommends a full tummy tuck, which includes a full lipectomy, umbilical translocation, tightening of the abdominal muscle wall, and liposuction of the waist area.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An in person evaluation is best, but from the submitted photo it appears you will have a nice result from a standard tummy tuck with liposuction for contouring.  This will address excess fat and skin as well as correct abdominal wall laxity.  The result will be a flatter, tighter tummy.  It doesn't appear the skin laxity is to a degree where an FDL incision would be worth it.  I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

5'4", 125 lbs. - What type of tummy tuck will be best? (Photo)

Answers (11)

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